Small Businesses Can Do More to Market Correctly

Posted on: October 24, 2013

When companies are trying to get the word out about the goods or services they provide, there are many approaches they can utilize. However, it’s important to note that the efforts they undertake to do so can have varied results, depending on what they plan to do.

For instance, it’s important for owners to keep in mind that many of the preconceptions they may have about different types of marketing vehicles they have at their disposal might not always be the right ones, according to a report from NBC Chicago. For instance, while social media is certainly free to use, it shouldn’t be seen by a small business as just a way to advertise products, but rather to deal with customers on a personal level as quickly and easily as possible.

Of course, when trying to reach a large number of people many owners might try to buy their way onto massive email lists or groups of people on social media, but this method is often going to be unwelcome among consumers, the report said. Owners may want to put themselves in the shoes of these people, who are now receiving what they might consider to be junk mail, and see how frustrated they might be with receiving this type of message from a company with which they have little or even no familiarity. Instead, trying to build email lists naturally, through word of mouth and direct dealing with customers, will likely yield far more success, and cost much less.

In addition, it’s wise to keep in mind that those social couponing sites might not be the best way to get people engaged with a company, the report said. Many who sign up for a “daily deal” might see their use of a small business product or service through these sites as a bit of a one-off, especially if these discounts are extended to the general public. Further, this may serve to alienate existing customers who might feel they’re getting nothing for their ongoing loyalty.

The reason owners try to grow their customer bases is obviously so that they can have greater financial success and can continue to expand, but they may also want to examine the benefits of cutting their costs as a means of getting their companies on the right track. For instance, finding more affordable small business insurance coverage, including policies for liability insurance, could save such enterprises thousands of dollars or more every year.